| Vol. - No. | Vol.2 - No.4 |
|---|---|
| Date | Dec., 2013 |
| Title | Advanced Structural Silicone Glazing |
| Author | Jon Kimberlain1+, Larry Carbary1, Charles D. Clift2, and Peter Hutley2 |
| Institutions |
1Dow Corning Corporation, 760 Hodgenville Road, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 42701, USA 2Curtain Wall Design and Consulting, Inc., 8070 Park Lane Suite 400, Dallas, Texas, 75231, USA |
| Abstract | This paper presents an advanced engineering technique using finite element analysis to improve structural silicone glazing (SSG) design in high-performance curtain wall systems for building facade. High wind pressures often result in bulky SSG aluminum extrusion profile dimensions. Architectural desire for aesthetically slender curtain wall sight-lines and reduction in aluminum usage led to optimization of structural silicone bite geometry for improved stress distribution through use of finite element analysis of the hyperelastic silicone models. This advanced design technique compared to traditional SSG design highlights differences in stress distribution contours in the silicone sealant. Simplified structural engineering per the traditional SSG design method lacks accurate forecasting of material and stress optimization, as shown in the advanced analysis and design. Full scale physical specimens were tested to verify design capacity in addition to correlate physical test results with the theoretical simulation to provide confidence of the model. This design technique will introduce significant engineering advancement to the curtain wall industry and building facade. |
| Keyword | Structural silicone glazing, Finite element analysis, Hyperelastic model, Building façade, Curtain wall |
| PP. | PP.345~354 |
| Paper File |
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